Utah Issues Emergency Order On Swine Shows To Protect Pig Population

The State Veterinarian's Office has issued an emergency order to address the potential spread of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv). The order requires all shows held on or after May 5, 2014 to be terminal. This means any pigs presented at county and state fairs, and other shows go directly to slaughter after judging concludes.

The order also requires all hogs and pigs entering Utah to be inspected by a veterinarian, and have a corresponding certificate. The certificate must state that within the last month, the incoming swine have not come from an area affected by PEDv.

Utah recently relaxed its ban "terminal" swine shows, but Hess says the resurgence of the virus in surrounding states has prompted a reinstatement of the policy.